Argyle Theatre of Varieties (c1868 - 1945)
Dates
- Existence: c1868 - 1945
Biography
The Argyle Music Hall in Birkenhead was opened in 1868 and staged many variety acts of the day.
The name was changed to The Prince Of Wales Theatre from 1876 to 1890, and was used mainly to stage plays. In 1890, the focus returned to music hall and variety and the theatre was renamed the Argyle Theatre.
Manager Denis J. Clarke ran the Argyle Theatre for 45 years from 1890 to 1935 developing the theatre to make it became one of the most well known theatres in the country playing host to many variety acts of the day.
As well as music hall and variety, the Argyle Theatre often had early film and also was the first theatre to have radio broadcasts.
During the Second World War, the theatre was bombed, taking a direct hit. It was never rebuilt.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Argyle Theatre Collection
This collection contains a large number of posters as well as business records including records of artist bookings, accounts, scrapbooks, contracts and correspondence.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 January 1892
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vonare Lady contortionist, Violet Reefern Serio and descriptive dancer, The Two Howes comedians and dancers, Harry Stennet transatlantic performer, Fred Harrington Anglo-Dutch Milanese piper and ballad vocalist, May Oliver Anglo-American soubrette, Olvene and Nestal trapeze artists, Master Charl prince of the silver wire, Nellie Gertie, The Minims grand instrumental Speciality. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and red type.
Cyril Critchlow Collection
Posters, c1880 - 1940
Large collection of Argyle Theatre posters.
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- Circus 3
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- Contortionists 3
- Dwarfs (Persons) 2
- Equestrians 1
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- Female impersonators 2
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- Pantomime 3
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- Puppets 3
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- War 2
- World War, 1914-1918 3
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